Lake Cunningham Native Garden

The Lake Cunningham Native Garden  is an excellent place to visit if you want to learn about nature. The park has a variety of activities and areas to explore, as well as a picnic area. The park’s 50-acre lake also provides good bird watching opportunities.

The native garden is a project of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Santa Clara Valley Chapter, a nonprofit organization that works to restore and preserve nature for the benefit of humankind and wildlife. This volunteer-run garden is open to the public. The project began in 2002, with an initial phase of tree planting and control of invasive plants. It received a grant from the City of San Jose Beautiful, which also funded an expansion of the garden and construction of a native plant nursery.

The native plant garden is an attractive oasis that creates a habitat for a variety of species. It’s a wonderful place to go bird watching and take a stroll. There are benches along the path, as well as picnic tables and bicycling trails.

The Lake Cunningham Native Garden is home to many different types of birds and other wildlife. The garden has been planted with a variety of native plants to attract birds and other pollinators. Its paved path is mostly flat but has some bumps in it. There is a seasonal stream lined with river rocks. It is ideal for walking or biking around during dry winter days. Insects and mammals are drawn to the garden as well. The native plant garden is a place where they can find food and shelter. There are also many different types of trees that provide shade, including valley oaks.

The garden has been thriving thanks to the dedication of many volunteers. This summer, volunteers will be mulching the plants and weeding the area. They will need to wear long-sleeved shirts and closed-toed shoes. They should also bring a hat, sunscreen, and a bug spray. All of the volunteers will need to undergo training before working in the garden.

CNPS’s California Native Garden received a BeautifySJ commendation in 2005. This recognition honors parks and gardens that have been transformed by volunteers.

The CNPS has developed a website with information about starting a community-native plant garden. For more information, please contact Vicki Silvas-Young. She is a native plant aficionado and member of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society.

The Lake Cunningham Native Garden in San José is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. It’s open every day except for Christmas, and there are amenities for pedestrians and bicyclists. It’s located near the lake, as well as the Raging Waters water theme park and San Jose Fire Station 21. The park is also part of the City of San Jose Adopt-a-Park program.

If you’re looking for a way to give back, One Brick offers the perfect opportunity! By volunteering in our garden, your help will make an immediate impact: not only in beautifying and maintaining it but also by improving the environmental quality of this beloved park. Weeding and mulching native plants are just some of the tasks that need tending – sign up today!